by B C Morgan
I refrain from saying, well I knew that anyway, I don’t like people to know about the way my brain works. I made the mistake of telling a girl once before and it blew up in my face. Apparently it made me a cheater, that I didn’t even have to understand the theory behind it as long as I remembered what I had read how could I fail?
She was wrong. I make sure I understand the theory and if I don’t, then I will keep studying and practicing until I do. I don’t rely on my eidetic memory, it’s nothing more than having a rubber in your pencil case. Another tool to help you to grow and progress, just because you can erase all your work doesn’t mean you will, it’s no different from that.
I have IT next, and seeing as I’ve already finished the tests, Mr. Dott is happy to allow me to leave early so I can get to the right building. I have no one to escort me this time, so I’m glad he’s giving me ample time to find my way there. I’m looking for a two-level building that houses the IT department and classes for woodwork, welding, electronics, motor mechanics—but only the basics—and even a photography class with its own dark room.
I don't even look back as I leave the main mansion and manage to make my way down to the IT building. After the gravestone was put on my door this morning, I really should be more aware of my surroundings.
A hand grasps my wrist in a vice like hold as I'm pulled backwards and thrown into a wall. My breath whooshes out of me and my head pounds from the impact. I can’t think as I’m jerked back again, my head moves so quick that I’m certain I’ve got whiplash. A foot goes into my back and my arm is released causing me to fall to the ground. I’m just trying to remember how to breathe as a knee is pushed into the small of my back and my attacker’s mouth comes close to my ear. His breath washes over my skin, making me shudder.
“Harrison wants you gone, and unlike him, I have no issue with striking a girl.”
I roll over with a groan, and I’m met with the deadest eyes I have ever seen and I’m terrified, his face is cruel and all angles. A pale scar goes down from the corner of his right eye, to the turn of his mouth. He has brown hair, but it’s got to be at least a one on the clippers setting and he’s about five-eleven in height. I don’t recall seeing him around before, but I am definitely hoping I never lay eyes on him again.
He sneers at me before walking off, and I only have five minutes to pick myself up off the floor before anyone can stumble upon me. Harrison did my door—I already knew that—but to send that guy after me. No, he’s gone too far. I don’t know why he hates me so much but I’m not going to just run away, he has no idea who he’s messing with. I may only be Henleigh but my brother taught me how to be brave when my brain screamed at me to shake with fear. There’s nothing that guy can throw my way that I haven’t seen before. Devon had an evil streak two miles wide, he never used it on me but I did see it aimed at others from time to time, so I’ve seen more than my fair share. At least I hope he doesn’t have anything new to show me. Terrified.com.
Mr. Connors is the only one in the IT room but it won’t stay like this for long. His eyes are widening in horror as he takes me in, before leading me into his office and closing the door.
“Miss. Monterey, I presume, what on Earth happened to you?” His eyes widen in shock and he looks genuinely concerned.
“I fell,” I reply and we both know I’m lying but teachers have never cared before, so why will he be any different.
“That is a load of bollocks, I know I shouldn’t swear around you kids but look at you. Now I want you to tell me who did this right this minute.”
“Would you believe that the ground and a wall tag teamed me and this was the result?”
He gives me a look that is screaming zero tolerance, clearly, I need to tell him something.
“I won’t lie to you sir, but I don’t know who did it. I’ve never seen him before. A few people seem to have developed an issue with me and this is only my third day.” I sound as confused as I feel about how quickly this has all started up. “Don’t get me wrong this is the handy work of one individual, but do you really think me telling you anything would honestly work in my favour?” I sound sarcastic right now, but I don’t seem to have much control over my sense at the moment.
I can see his jaw clenching and hear his teeth grind together, before he shakes his head.
“You don’t need the other students seeing you like this, get your laptop out and I will give you the tasks for today’s lesson. I'll come back and administer first aid once I’ve got the rest of my students set up. Just, stay in here,” he says as he passes me a sheet of paper and then walks back into the classroom.
IT doesn’t come easily to me, and I think that’s why I love it so much. It isn’t a piece of cake, and I love a challenge; I’ve always said I thrive under pressure.
Today I have to design and write code for a game, not what I would have picked but at least I can avoid the other students and just lose myself in the work.
Mr. Connors soon comes back in and swabs at my face with a wipe that stings like a mother fudger. Seriously, what is the point in that? Luckily, it doesn’t take long for him to fix my face up and clean the palms of my hands. He tells me I have to see the nurse before I get my lunch. Then he goes back to the classroom and I lose myself in data and code until he comes back to check on me. Mr. Connors comes back in to check on me halfway in and gives me some pointers so I can improve my code and make it a working model. And by the time the class ends I think I may be close to a working prototype. Mr. Connors even gives me a book out of his own collection to help me further. I think he’s in the running to become my favourite.
“I was concerned about leaving you to walk alone, but one of your fellow students was asking after you. I still don’t know who did this, but if you vouch for Miss Carmichael, I will feel a lot better leaving you in her hands.”
I have no idea who he means, but a quick peek through the little window on the door reveals Ivy and I assuage his fears and leave his office to join with her.
Her eyes narrow the minute she takes me in, and I’m suddenly hit with the urgency to look in the mirror and find out what everyone else is seeing. She grabs my arm and drags me out behind her, and it isn’t long before we’re standing in the girls’ bathroom and I’m finally looking at my reflection.
My bottom lip is busted, and I have gashes across my left cheek, my tights are a ragged mess, and I’ve got a lovely egg-shaped bump on my forehead. All in all, I’ve definitely looked better.
Ivy takes me to the nurse who fixes up my knees and gives me some paracetamol to help with the headache that’s refusing to quit, and we go for some lunch. Everyone wants to know what happened, but I’ve had enough of today. I really appreciate Noah’s silence, and I’m glad he claimed the seat beside me so Elijah has to stop trying to hug me. Touchy feely muppet.
“She isn’t going to tell us a thing, besides we all know this has Harrison written all over it,” says Ivy, her eyes screaming retaliation that I know she won’t deliver on.
“Harrison wouldn’t lay a hand on a girl, but he’s not above getting someone to do it for him,” Amias says, watching for any signals from me as they mention that dickwad’s name.
“I’m pretty sure wrapping your hand around a girl’s throat, means he isn’t above laying his hands on a girl,” I grit out as I force a mouthful of risotto down me.
They stare at me; I let them know he didn’t do this, but after what Mr. Terrifying said, he is definitely responsible. The thing is, I don’t trust these guys so like hell will I confide in them. If I find a way to trust them – although I doubt it will happen – I’ll welcome it with open arms. Until then, I’m keeping my cards close to my chest.
“Harrison was not happy to see you sitting in the canteen today,” says Ivy, as she and Elijah walk me back to my room.
“He probably thought I would have tucked my tail and run after what his friend did to me,” I reply without thinking. I wasn’t supposed to give that much away.
“Y
ou do know who did it! Come on then, tell us who it was, and we’ll make sure to show them the error of their ways,” comes from Elijah, as he cracks his knuckles, a dark look taking over his face.
“I don’t know their name, so I can’t tell you a damn thing. Look, I appreciate you guys walking me back, but you have classes to get back to and I need to sleep away this headache.”
“Okay little Hen, we’ll come get you when it’s time for dinner.”
“For the last time Eli, don’t call me little Hen,” I shoot back, knowing he hates to be called that.
“Jokes on you love, I like it when you call me that,” he gives me a wink before sauntering away, with Ivy following.
Pushing my door open and all I want to do is scream, nothing’s been done but I can’t help wondering if the gravestone is my future should I remain in this place.
I strip out of my uniform and climb into the bath, I prefer showers, but after this morning I need a good long soak. Maybe the guys are right, having friends isn’t the worst thing in the world and it doesn’t mean we’ll have to keep the friendship going once we’re set free. It’ll be a relationship of convenience; they can help me, and I’ll return the favour if it ever presents itself.
A knock sounds at the door and Noah makes me laugh hard when I open it and welcome him in with a semi smile. I don’t do it often, so it doesn’t feel natural to me. I’m just glad I had time to get out of my bath and throw some clothes on before he arrived.
“What’s got into you?” He sounds so taken aback by my smile and maybe a little worried?
“Can’t I be happy to see you?” I ask in return and he’s just shaking his head, eh men.
“Ivy was right, I do need friends, especially after what happened. So, if you guys still want the position I’m happy to offer it to you,” I say and he’s not smiling. Am I doing this wrong? It’s been so long since I tried to forge a friendship with anyone.
“You don’t have to do that. I can help you find out who ruined your door and identify who did a number on you. I don’t need you pimping your friendship out in return, you need to keep your wits about you.”
I’m staring at him as I notice his hands, he tries to pull them behind his back, but I latch on and catch the tell-tale sign of paint. I arch my brows.
I pull up short as I take in my newly painted locker, back to its original cream. The same colour that is on Noah’s hands, he painted it for me, who is this guy that I can’t get a read on?
Four
The rest of the week passes rather quietly, no one else pounces on me. Other than snide remarks from the Shepherd bitches no one says anything, and I’m getting used to sharing my meal space. I don’t believe for a second that it was all a misunderstanding, no. Harrison wants me out for whatever reason and I’m keeping on my guard where he’s concerned. He hasn’t really done anything, but I keep expecting him to.
My next lesson is PE, most of the students prefer being inside the fitness centre. My shadows seem to spend most of their gym time within the gym, which explains Elijah and Harrison’s physique. I mean there’s even a hall solely for self-defence lessons, and a room with a boxing ring and other equipment. There’s a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and even a trampoline room. It’s insane.
I’m running track in view of the ridiculous show jumping area, which is crazy, what kind of school has their own riding stable? Anyway, it was either run or play netball, and I refuse to play with those girls. I’ve been running for years and I’ve got a strong supply of stamina so I can’t see our P.E teacher having an issue with it. I’m not the only one running today but I’m well ahead so I feel like I’ve got the track all to myself. It’s freeing, be able to go as fast or slow as you desire, but I like to push myself so there won’t be any going slow for me today.
I’m lost in the freedom of my feet pounding the tarmac and the sun shining down upon me when I see someone in my peripheral. I can’t believe Harrison is here on my right and green eyes is suddenly on my left. I’m not slowing down, they won't scare me, not out here where the teacher can see. I look up and realise I can’t see Mr. Dosser the tosser.
“Don’t worry brown eyes, we’re not going to hurt you.”
“Shut it Finley, I like it when she panics,” says Harrison but his words ring hollow to my ears.
“You’ll have to do a lot worse than that, even your friend couldn’t strike fear in me at the mention of your name. And he did a real number on me,” I reply, pushing harder so I can leave them in my dust.
“What is she talking about?” asks Finley, I just don’t wait around for the answer, I’ve suddenly lost the joy and urge to run.
I sit down in the changing rooms, I’ve already peeled off my black Lycra running shorts and dark green tank top but I’m not in any rush to rejoin the masses. I can hear Britney and Chelsea whinging and whining and I can tell they don’t realise that they’re not alone.
“Fin hasn’t been paying any attention to me since that hoebag arrived, I thought Harrison would have declared her off limits, but nothing. What else can I do?” Chelsea moans, and her voice is so high pitched, I want to cover my ears just to save them from the pain.
“Maybe if you refused to open your legs once in a while he wouldn’t lose interest in you, besides we all know the rules. We can do what we want with who we want as long as we always go back to them and vice versa.”
“Give it a break Brit, are you telling me this arrangement doesn’t bother you. Don’t you ever get jealous when you see Damon Jude playing tonsil tennis with his local flavour of the day?”
“Stop being such a girl, you keep this up and you’ll lose him completely, we’re in school for fuck sake. Enjoy your freedom before we leave and then we can lay our claim to them: if we don’t find a better alternative that is,” says Britney, laughing at her own words as they leave the changing room, and I just sit here shaking my head.
The next two hours have me utterly occupied with all things science, I’m doing my final assessments to see where my permanent class will be. Today is Friday so I’ll know by the end of the day, I’m hoping it’s announced privately I really don’t need every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing what I’m capable of academically.
Amias is waiting for me when I leave the room, he doesn’t even acknowledge my presence before he starts walking off towards the canteen.
“I take it you drew the short straw.”
“No, I claimed you for today,” he replies, his eyes sparkling as I growl at his word ‘claim.’
“No one claims me, I’m not an object to be owned,” I retort.
“I should hope not, you wouldn’t be anywhere near as fascinating if you were. I love a challenge and you’re causing Harrison a great deal of turmoil; I want to see how it all plays out.”
“You get off on it don’t you,” I say, shaking my head in exasperation.
“That and other things, I’m a fucker, doll, and I’m proud of it.”
We enter the canteen and collect our lunches before claiming our regular table. The others haven’t arrived yet and I can’t imagine our conversation is going to be all that riveting. Yet another guy I can’t quite figure out, I may know what gets him excited, but I don’t know why.
I’m unwrapping my sandwich when something connects with my head, looking down I see an orange segment on the floor. Then a straw paper is launched at my cheek right before a goddamn spoon catches me in the corner of my eye.
“That’s enough,” I shout as I stand up and whirl on the culprits, Britney and Chelsea surprise, surprise.
“We are so clumsy, we do hope it didn’t hurt too much,” says Chelsea smirking.
“Amias, any chance I’m being watched right now?”
He smirks at me as he shakes his head and I make my way over to them. I love that Chelsea has chosen soup whilst Britney has a pudding with custard. The part I love the most, though is when I flip the bowls over and the contents cover them as they sit there sputtering and gaping at me.
�
��I don’t take things lying down, do something to me and I’ll make sure it’s returned. See ya bitches,” I give them a little wave and sit down at my table, making sure I don’t turn my back to them.
Finley appears and cracks up laughing when he takes in the state of them and they shriek, putting on the crocodile tears, and I assume run off to the bathroom or their living quarters.
“Nicely played brownie,” he says as he sends me a wink before getting his own food and claiming a tidier table to sit at.
Ivy and Elijah are lost the moment Amias tells them what I did, it wasn’t that funny but at least they’re getting a kick out of it.
“They’ll do a lot worse next time,” she warns as she points her fork at me.
“What are they going to do? I mean really, I can deal with a lot of crap I doubt they can push me past my breaking point,” I reply. I sound sure of myself, and I am. I really can’t see them being able to push me past my breaking point. If I even have one anymore. They can beat me and scare me, but they can’t break me.
“Don’t get too cocky Henleigh, they're working off their own steam at the moment. Should Harrison recruit them, their attacks will be a lot more severe,”
warns Amias, and I think he actually wants to see it happen.
I won’t let them see how worried I’m getting, I’ve already been beaten, what else will he have them do if he actually puts some thought into it?
It’s Friday evening and for some reason the headmaster has broadcasted my advanced classes to the whole school, I mean it’s not really a big deal but I would prefer they’d told me privately. All the teachers said it should have been like that, but a computer error occurred which sent it to every email instead of just mine, yeah likely story.
Ivy is already hammering on my door, I know it’s her because I can hear Elijah telling her to calm it down. I wonder if I can pretend that I’m not here, I doubt it, where else do I go when classes end. I’m not willing to sign up to the extracurricular activities just yet, not until I know someone won’t try to murder me and hide my body somewhere discreet enough that I won’t be found until the end of the week.
